Oakberry Opens in Arlington Center

A chain with roots in South America has expanded to the Greater Boston area, with a location opening in the northwest suburbs of Boston.

Based on information from posters within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Oakberry is now open in Arlington, moving into a space on Massachusetts Avenue in the center of town. The new spot, which got its start in Brazil, offers such options as build-your-own and signature acai bowls along with smoothies and snacks.

The address for Oakberry in Arlington Center is 476 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for the business is at https://www.oakberry.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

New City Microcreamery to Open in Arlington Center, Replacing Abbott's Frozen Custard

A local group of ice cream shops will be expanding to the northwest suburbs of Boston, taking over the space where a location of a small chain of frozen custard shops had been.

According to multiple sources, New City Microcreamery is planning to open in Arlington, taking over the space on Broadway in the center of town that had been home to an outlet of Abbott's Frozen Custard. Once it opens, the new location of New City will join others in Cambridge's Central Square, Sudbury, and Hudson, the last of which is its original shop, debuting back in 2015.

Another location of Abbott's Frozen Custard in Arlington Heights had shut down this spring as well.

The address for the upcoming location of New City Microcreamery in Arlington Center is 311 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for all locations is at https://newcitymicrocreamery.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Abbott's Frozen Custard in Arlington Heights Has Closed

A Boston-area location of a small chain of frozen custard shops whose roots are in upstate New York has shut down.

According to a poster within The Arlington List Facebook group page, Abbott's Frozen Custard in Arlington Heights is no longer in business, mentioning that movers were taking freezers out of the Park Avenue shop (and a picture shows the moving van out front). A check on the website for the chain seems to confirm this, as the location has been removed from the site, and while locations in Arlington Center and Lexington remain on the site, posters say that the future of those shops appear to be in question as well. (The Needham location of Abbott's remains in operation.)

Abbott's dates back to 1902 when founder Arthur Abbott started selling frozen custard at carnivals along the Eastern Seaboard, with the shop opening in Rochester in 1926. 

The address for the now-closed Abbott's Frozen Custard in Arlington Heights was 71 Park Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for the chain can be found at: http://www.abbottscustard.com/

(Follow Marc on Bluesky at @marchurboston.bsky.social)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Arlington Brewing Company to Open Brewery, Taproom, Beer Garden

Last year, it was reported that a beermaking business in the northwest suburbs of Boston was looking for a permanent home, and now we have learned that it has found a space.

According to a press release, Arlington Brewing Company announced today that it will be opening on Ryder Street on the eastern edge of Arlington Heights, with the facility including a 15-barrel production brewery, a taproom that has a full kitchen, an outdoor beer garden, and a function room for private events. The business has been hosting pop-up beer gardens as they were looking for a permanent home, while also expanding their beermaking through contract brewing. If all goes as planned, the brewery will open next summer, and until then, they will continue to pop up at various events in the local area.

The address for the upcoming brewery is 15 Ryder Street, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for Arlington Brewing Company can be found at https://www.drinkarlingtonbeer.com/

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

    

Greek Habits Opens in Arlington Center

A new bakery has come to the northwest suburbs.

According to a poster within The Arlington List Facebook group page, Greek Habits is now open in Arlington, moving into the former Elton's Roast Beef & Pizza space on Mass. Ave. in the center of town. The post indicates that the new spot offers such options as crepes, sandwiches, spinach turnovers, coffee, tea, smoothies, baked goods, and pastries.

The address for Greek Habits is 478 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

  

Arlington Brewing Company to Have Pop-Ups at The Roasted Granola Cafe in December as It Looks for a Permanent Space

The people behind a brewery in the northwest suburbs of Boston are going to be pouring beers out of a cafe for the next few weeks as they continue to look for a permanent home.

According to an email sent to us, Arlington Brewing Company is having a series of pop-up taprooms at The Roasted Granola Cafe at 1346 Mass. Ave. in Arlington Heights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the month of December. We have been told that co-owners Tom Allen and Matt Guernsey are currently looking for a space in town as to produce their beer (they are contract brewing one of their beers at the present time -- Spy-P-A, a New England IPA that can be found in liquor stores in and around Arlington.

The website for Arlington Brewing Company (which is the first craft brewery in Arlington's history) can be found at https://www.drinkarlingtonbeer.com/

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Arlington Brewing Company Looking for Permanent Space, Will Be Hosting Summer Pop-Up Beer Gardens

A new beermaking business has come to the northwestern suburbs of Boston, and it will be hosting waterside beer gardens as it searches for a home.

Based on a Facebook post from Massachusetts State Representative Sean Garballey, Arlington Brewing Company is in the process of getting up and running, saying "Congratulations to @arlingtonbrewingcompany, Arlington's first-ever fully licensed brewery, on their recent commencement of operations. Can't wait to join them and lots of other people at the Res beer garden on June 30!" The two people behind the brewer--Tom Allen and Matt Guernsey--are currently looking for a permanent space for their brewery, and Sean Garballey's comment about the Res refers to the beermakers having six beer gardens at the Arlington Reservoir on Lowell Street, which will be held on Friday evenings from June 30 through August 11 and which will include live music.

The website for Arlington Brewing Company can be found at https://www.drinkarlingtonbeer.com/

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Abilyn's Frozen Bakery Has Apparently Closed for Good

A suburban ice cream shop that had replaced another ice cream store a couple of years ago appears to have closed permanently.

According to a post within The Arlington List Facebook group page, Abilyn's Frozen Bakery in Arlington Center has apparently shut down for good, with the sign being down and the interior appearing to be cleared out. Abilyn's replaced Chilly Cow in late 2017, slowly morphing into the new spot during the winter and early spring of 2018; the place was known in part for its ice cream cakes while also offering scoops of ice cream, frozen yogurt, and more.

It is not known whether the pandemic had anything to do with the closing of Abilyn's; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for Abilyn's Frozen Bakery was 451 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Prime, Your Trusted Butcher in Arlington Heights Is Closing

An independent butcher shop that broke away from a chain of meat markets is closing its doors.

A poster within The Arlington List Facebook group page mentions (via an auction page from E.F. Smith) indicates that Prime, Your Trusted Butcher in Arlington Heights is closing, with a note on the shop's website indicating that the Mass. Ave. market will be shutting down by or before January 19. The note on the site says that they informed their employees after "careful consideration of the long-term financial performance of the store" and that gift cards, discount certificates, and store credits will be honored until their supplies run out.

Prime first opened in the fall of 2014, replacing a location of The Meat House, as the owner of the Arlington Heights location of the latter decided to change the place to an independent store with a new name. All New England locations of The Meat House now appear to be closed, with at least some becoming butcher shops with different names. (The website for The Meat House now goes to a location in New Jersey.)

The address for Prime, Your Trusted Butcher is 1398 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. Its website can be found at https://primebutchershop.com

[January 20, 2020 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Prime, Your Trusted Butcher is now closed.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Doves and Figs Is Shutting Down

A local business that has been known for its jams is calling it a day.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Doves and Figs is closing down, with the note--which comes from owner Robin Cohen--thanking its customers while saying "Although it was a difficult decision to make; this is the best choice for the business and for my family." Cohen's company offered jams using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, with her products being available at a variety of farmers markets as well as local shops, orchards, and farms.

Doves and Figs was established in 2011 in Arlington, with a production facility and shop opening in North Andover in 2017.

[December 23 update: A new Facebook post indicates that Doves and Figs participated in its last farmers market over the weekend.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Mass Hole Donuts to Open in the Local Fare Space in East Arlington

A pop-up shop known for its array of doughnut hole options is opening a permanent location in the northwest suburbs of Boston, taking over the space where a gift shop and commissary kitchen had been until closing this week.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Mass Hole Donuts is planning to open in East Arlington, moving into the Local Fare space on Lake Street. The post indicates that the upcoming shop will offer brioche- and cake-style doughnut holes, with possible flavors (based on the dozens of options they have made as a pop-up) including a brioche doughnut hole with a a green tea-white chocolate glaze and a key lime curd filling, a chocolate cake doughnut with vanilla glaze, blackberries, and Nutella, and fried apple cider holes with apple caramel or cinnamon sugar. If all goes as planned, Mass Hole Donuts could be opening in the next few months, and it will start doing catering over the summer.

Local Fare closed its doors yesterday after approximately three years in business; the shop hosted pop-ups, held classes, and had a shared commercial kitchen.

The address for Mass Hole Donuts in East Arlington will be 2 Lake Street, Arlington, MA, 02474. Its website can be found at https://www.massholedonuts.com/

[September 26 update: Boston Magazine states that Mass Hole Donuts plans to open for business on Saturday, October 19, with limited hours initially (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the first weekend, then 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM Thursday through Sunday).]

[October 17 update: Eater Boston confirms that Mass Hole Donuts will indeed open on October 19.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

New Owner Taking Over Arlington Bakery in East Arlington

A longtime suburban bakery that focuses on Greek treats has shut down, as it gets ready for an ownership change.

According to a source, Arlington Bakery in East Arlington is closed, with a check on the Mass. Ave. space showing signs up that say "Arlington Bakery is under new ownership! On June 30, 2019, we will be closing our doors. Renovations will be made in July with an opening date to be determined." The note also mentions that the current owners will help the new owner with the transition, though it is not yet known what changes (if any) will come to the space.

Arlington Bakery has been known in part for such items as baklava, sheet cake, cookies, spanakopita, and Easter bread.

The address for this now-closed Greek bakery in East Arlington is: Arlington Bakery, 187 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[July 1 update: Your Arlington mentions that new owner Evangelia Velentzas plans to keep the name and menu the same for the Arlington Bakery at least for now, saying that "It's my first bakery, and I want to see how it does and get more comfortable before I make any incremental changes." (More information can be found in the reference material on the arlington.novusagenda.com site.)]

[October 4 update: The Arlington Advocate states that Arlington Bakery is open once again after going through renovations, and with it, some additions to the offerings, including mini-cakes and (eventually) a bread menu.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

---

[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

---

Za'atar Is Opening in Former Loukoumaki Bakery Space in Arlington

A Middle Eastern and Armenian bakery is coming to Arlington, moving into the space where a Greek bakery had been.

The Arlington Patch is reporting that Za'atar plans to open on Mass. Ave. at the Highland Avenue intersection, taking over the former Loukoumaki Bakery site. The article says that the bakery is looking to be open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with items such as lahmajun, tahini bread, baklava, rice pudding, ghadayef, croissants, cookies, iced coffee, lemonade, and more offered. It is not yet known when Za'atar might open.

[August 8 update: An article in the Arlington Advocate indicates that Za'atar plans to open in sometime during the middle of this month.]

[September 8 update: A check on the place over the weekend indicates that Za'atar is now open.]

The address for this new Middle Eastern and Armenian bakery in Arlington is: Za'atar, 916 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for bringing this to our attention.

Tweet

Whole Foods Announces Opening Dates for Somerville, Arlington

A national chain of supermarkets that features natural and organic foods has announced opening dates for two more Boston-area stores.

According to a Facebook post from the Somerville location of Whole Foods and another post from the Arlington location, the two stores are going to be opening in September, with the Somerville location opening September 4 and the Arlington location opening September 18. Several other Whole Foods locations have opened in and around Boston over recent times, including in Brookline, Charlestown, Melrose, and South Weymouth. (All of the stores took over former locations of Johnnie's Foodmaster.)

The Somerville location of Whole Foods will be at 45 Beacon Street, while the Arlington location will be at 808 Mass. Ave.

The website for the supermarket chain is at http://wholefoodsmarket.com/

Tweet

The Meat House is Opening in Arlington

A small chain of butcher shops based in New England will soon be opening an outlet in the northwest suburbs of Boston. According to their website, The Meat House is going to open a shop on Mass. Ave. in Arlington Heights, a short distance west of the Park Avenue intersection (where Game Crazy and Hollywood Video used to be). This will be the first Meat House to open inside Route 128, as the other Massachusetts locations are in Franklin, North Andover, and Walpole (another new shop will be coming to Beverly as well).

The Meat House first opened in Portsmouth, NH, in 2003, and has since grown to include locations in six states, including Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York in the local region. The shops focus on premium cuts of meat and personalized service, and products offered include all kinds of meat (including exotic meats), cheese, wine, marinades, produce, baked goods, prepared meals, and more.

[April 26 update: The Meat House is now open in Arlington.]

The address for this upcoming butcher shop in Arlington will be: The Meat House, 1398 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for the company is: http://www.themeathouse.com/

Tweet This! Share on Facebook.